TAP is specialized to work with young adults with disabilities who will be transitioning out of high school. Our mission is to work directly with young adults, help them determine their goals and find pathways to achieving these goals. By using the IL model, we ensure that young people learn to make their own decisions and live life to the fullest.

Eligibility

Any young adult, regardless of disability, who:

• is 14-22 years old
• Receives special education services or is in a post-graduation transition program through their high school
• Desires to become more independent

Services

The TAP program at MWCIL readies high school students for living on their own, finding work, and/or attending college or other training program.

• Social Skills
• Self-Advocacy
• Independent Living Skills Training
• Employment
• Assistive technology support
• IEP and ITP assistance
• Disability Rights education
• Preparing for College

Photo: Erin, Youth Services Coordinator and Lou, IL Coordinator

The Process

• Meetings are at the MWCIL office, in the community, and/or at the youth’s home
• Youth work with the TAP staff on a 1-1 basis
• TAP staff ask the youth to identify their goals, and how they would like to increase their independence. All work is individually based- content, pace, learning style, communication, and so on.
• MWCIL holds business hours of 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, however, the scheduling of appointments revolves around the youth’s personal schedule. Appointments are typically an hour in length, and occur every other week.

Image: Young couple at the 2014 Gardner ADA Celebration

TAP Workshops

Some classes are hybrid; available both online with Zoom and in person.